As the Country prepares for the upcoming election the world was stunned when Jo Bidden dropped out of the race. Joe Bidden is backing Kamala and she may be the first woman President. I would like to help you prepare your children and remind you it’s a Kamala-nominon: and I have books to engage and inspire the next generation of voters.
About the books:
July has been a busy month. I you’ve been following the news, quite a bit has happened. Normally I’d suggest reading as a way to focus on something else, something that inspires hope. But as the possibility of electing the first ever female President becomes more and more of a reality, LBYR has compiled a list of titles that focus on both the current political moment and the importance of inspiring young readers to dream big. Read on to explore books that encourage young people—especially young girls—that their dreams can become a reality.
BROWN GIRL, BROWN GIRL by Leslé Honoré, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera (OSD: 11/19/2024, ages 4-8): This powerful and hopeful picture book—based on a viral poem by Blaxican poet and activist Leslé Honoré, and illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Cozbi A. Cabrera,—celebrates brown and Black girls and is magnificently illustrated by a Caldecott Honor-winning artist.
REPRESENT: THE UNFINISHED FIGHT FOR THE VOTE by Michael Eric Dyson and Marc Favreau (OSD: 9/10/2024, ages 12+): Just in time for the 2024 presidential election comes this dramatic and electrifying history of voting rights from renowned thought leader and New York Times bestselling author Michael Eric Dyson and award-winning author Marc Favreau. A must-read exploration of American democracy.
IDA B. WELLS MARCHES FOR THE VOTE by Dinah Johnson, illustrated by Jerry Jordan (OSD: 1/2/24, ages 4-8): Ida B. Wells grew up during a time when women did not have the right to vote. But Ida aspired for equality; she had learned from her parents to forge a life through hope and bravery, so she worked tirelessly to fight for an America that was fair to everyone regardless of race and gender. Her courageous activism made her one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history.
A IS FOR AMBITIOUS by Meena Harris, illustrated by Marissa Valdez (OSD: 3/14/2023, ages 4-8): A is for ambitious—and so much more in this fun and empowering picture book that reclaims words often used to undermine girls and women from A to Z. When they’re ready to take on the world, ambitious readers will have the vocabulary to do so.
AMBITIOUS GIRL by Meena Harris, illustrated by Marissa Valdez (OSD: 1/19/2021, ages 4-8): When a young girl sees a strong woman on TV labeled as “too assertive” and “too ambitious,” it sends her on a journey of discovery through past, present, and future about the challenges faced by women and girls and the ways in which they can reframe, redefine, and reclaim words meant to knock them down.
MICHELLE’S GARDEN by Sharee Miller (OSD: 3/2/2021, ages 4-8): From an acclaimed author and illustrator: Enjoy this tribute to Former First Lady Michelle Obama and her contributions to building the healthy future that America’s children deserve.
LITTLE LEADERS: BOLD WOMEN IN BLACK HISTORY by Vashti Harrison (OSD: 12/5/2017, ages 4-8): Featuring 40 trailblazing black women in history, this book educates and inspires as it relates true stories of women who broke boundaries and exceeded all expectations.
GRACE FOR PRESIDENT by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (OSD: 3/6/2012, ages 4-8): When Grace’s teacher reveals that the United States has never had a female president, Grace decides she wants to be the nation’s first and immediately jumpstarts her political career by running in her school’s mock election!
MADAM PRESIDENT by Lane Smith (OSD: 7/29/2008, ages 4-8): New York Times bestselling author-illustrator and Caldecott Honor-winner Lane Smith offers an entertaining and empowering vision of a strong girl in power, perfect for election season and year-round!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
